{"id":26151,"date":"2025-09-10T07:04:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T05:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carnisostenibili.it\/?p=26151"},"modified":"2025-09-10T12:50:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T10:50:12","slug":"emission-reduction-strategies-for-livestock-waste-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carnisostenibili.it\/en\/emission-reduction-strategies-for-livestock-waste-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Emission reduction strategies for livestock waste management"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A study identifies the key technologies and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly along the livestock waste management chain.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main challenges of manure management on livestock farms is reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions<\/strong> and air pollutants. However, a recent study<\/a> identified advanced technologies and effective strategies that can significantly reduce emissions throughout the entire manure management process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study analysed numerous mitigation practices<\/strong> applicable to each phase in detail, offering concrete solutions for more sustainable livestock farming. The manure management chain comprises three main phases: animal housing<\/strong>, manure storage<\/strong> and treatment<\/strong>, and field application<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


The main mitigation measures<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key mitigation measures include storage technologies<\/strong>, such as closed or covered systems<\/strong>, to limit methane and ammonia emissions<\/strong>; biological treatments to reduce greenhouse gas production during manure decomposition; and optimised manure application techniques<\/strong>, such as the use of injectors or immediate soil incorporation<\/strong>, to minimise gas losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solid-liquid separation<\/strong> can reduce methane emissions by up to 46% and ammonia emissions by 21%<\/strong>. If properly managed, impermeable covers for wastewater storage (e.g. plastic sheeting) can achieve emission mitigation efficiency of up to 99.5%<\/strong>. Air scrubbers<\/strong>, which are systems installed at the outlet of livestock ventilation systems and pass air through filter material or a liquid solution (water or chemical reagents), can reduce ammonia emissions by up to 99% (chemical) and 92% (biological)<\/strong>, albeit at different costs and with different technical requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Effects of diet and manure removal<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The practices examined include feed formulation<\/strong>, which can directly influence methane production<\/strong>, and frequent manure removal to reduce gas build-up. Reducing dietary crude protein by 2% can cut ammonia emissions by up to 46%<\/strong>. Depending on the technology used, removing manure<\/strong> three times a week or daily can reduce methane emissions by up to 89%, ammonia by 25\u201330%<\/strong>, and nitrous oxide by up to 50%.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Treatment technologies<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Techniques such as solid-liquid separation<\/strong> are employed during the storage and treatment<\/strong> process, allowing waste to be treated more efficiently and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Anaerobic digestion reduces methane emissions by an average of 59%, transforming the effluent into useful biogas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acidification can reduce ammonia<\/strong> emissions by between 33% and 93%, methane by between 67% and 87%<\/strong>, and nitrous oxide by up to 90%<\/strong> if lactic acid is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Application phase<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, during the application phase of wastewater<\/strong> (or rather, digestate<\/strong>), various techniques are employed to optimise nutrient release into the soil and minimise gas loss. These include the use of injectors and low-emission distribution systems<\/strong>. Although surface injection reduces ammonia emissions by 62\u201370%<\/strong>, it can also lead to a 259% increase in nitrous oxide emissions<\/strong>. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the trade-offs between gases, as reducing one can lead to an increase in another.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study confirms that a combination of targeted management practices and innovative technologies can effectively reduce emissions throughout the livestock waste management chain<\/strong>. When selecting technologies, it is essential to consider not only their effectiveness in reducing emissions but also factors such as cost<\/strong>, technical feasibility<\/strong>, scalability<\/strong>, local regulations<\/strong>, and climate conditions. An integrated approach<\/strong> is essential to avoid pollution swapping and ensure effective emissions reduction throughout all stages of the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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